The Crusaders (4-2) made their first appearance in the top 25 in just over a year thanks to a second-straight victory, the most recent a 35-14 triumph at Graceland. Evangel returns home this Saturday, September 13 to take on Peru State to start a stretch of three home contests in the next four weeks.

There was no movement among the top 14 teams in the polls, meaning the top three HAAC teams all maintained their places from a week ago. Missouri Valley (5-0) held at #3 following a week off as the Vikings prepare for a showdown with No. 12-ranked Benedictine this Saturday at Gregg-Mitchell Field in the HAAC Game of the Week. The Ravens also picked up a win last week, a 21-14 triumph over Central Methodist.

MidAmerica Nazarene was the third team to hold its spot this week, remaining at #10 after a victory at Culver-Stockton last weekend. The Pioneers (4-1) take a week away from conference play to visit NCAA FCS-member Gardner Webb (N.C.) this week before visiting Benedictine on October 20.

After back-to-back losses, Baker returned to the win column over Avila and moved up one spot to #18 in this week's poll. The Wildcats (5-2) have the first of two weeks away from the gridiron this Saturday and won't return to play until Saturday, October 27 at Culver-Stockton.

The HAAC is one of two conferences with five teams ranked this week, joining the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC). Marian (Ind.) remained the top-ranked team while Georgetown (Ky.) sits one spot behind at #2. Morningside (Iowa) and William Penn (Iowa) finish off the top five behind Missouri Valley.